'Try to get some more sleep — us players don’t have it easy!': Naps over celebrations for jet-lagged Luke Littler in winning Australian Darts Masters

Luke Littler added another milestone to his rapidly growing list of achievements on the World Series stage, claiming the Australian Darts Masters title with a commanding performance in Wollongong. He defeated Mike de Decker 8-4 in the final.

The 18-year-old, fresh from his spectacular World Matchplay triumph, admitted this latest victory was “another one to tick off” as he reflected on a night where everything clicked. Albeit he remarked previously after his first round that he was unlikely to return in 2026 if he won the title. With most of the big names not present this week in Wollongong e.g Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and even James Wade who was invited but decided against it due to a family holiday, it meant Littler and Humphries as such flew the flag. But also saw the exciting additions of Mike de Decker and Josh Rock.

De Decker in particular faced up to some criticism surrounding his inclusion due to his scathing criticism of the PDC and the World Series after his World Grand Prix triumph did not lead to Premier League. He was invited for the Dutch Darts Masters but said he'd rather play in somewhere more exotic like Australia. He got his wish and got to the final on debut. But he faced a Littler who saw off Damon Heta, Stephen Bunting and finally De Decker on finals day.

Often too these players have a scare along the way, that was Haupai Puha on the opening day and it was very much another one to tick off for 'The Nuke' as he heads now onto Auckland and as he admitted himself straight to sleep. He has mooted this week that jet lag has been a real problem.

“Yeah, it feels very good. It’s another one that I can tick off. I played very well tonight. I didn’t play so well last night, but tonight’s really mad,” Littler said. After a below-par showing in the previous round, Littler revealed that the dip in form helped sharpen his focus for the final session. “Yeah, it definitely felt very good. I knew that if I won the first game it’d be a very long night, but for myself I’m very happy.”

In the final, Littler overcame Belgian debutant Mike De Decker, who impressed on his World Series bow but was unable to halt the teenager’s charge. “Yeah, Mike’s had a good run. Obviously, he’ll go over to New Zealand as well. It wasn’t the best debut for himself — I was in his way — but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”

Littler erases poor World Series start

The victory was particularly satisfying for Littler after a mixed start to his 2025 World Series campaign, with previous runs only reaching the quarter-finals and semi-finals. “Yeah, obviously it’s not gone to plan this year in the World Series, but there are plenty of opportunities to win, and I’ve finally picked one up tonight.”

With back-to-back titles now under his belt, Littler’s attention turns to next week’s New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland. A keen gamer and proponent of the new social media generation, it won't be straight onto the games console but instead sleep. He said though that he's looking forward to a few days off to recharge. “Yeah, I can’t wait. We’ll have a good few days off and try to get some more sleep — us players don’t have it easy! But yeah, over to New Zealand we go.”

The PDC's best return next week in Auckland as the New Zealand Darts Masters starts next Friday with the second of two World Series tournaments. After that the big names won't play until the Flanders Darts Trophy with a free week after Auckland then onto a busy end to the season. For Littler and also for De Decker being sharp and in the business end certainly helps that.